Steering mechanism for motor-vehicles.



No. 666,308. Patented Jan. 22, l90l. J. W. FARNOFF.

STEERING MECHANISM FOR MOTOR VEHICLES.

(Application filed Aug. 15 1900.) (No Indol.) 3 Shaets-$haet I.

Patented Ian. 22, 190i. J. W. FARNOFF.

STEERING MECHANISM FOR MOTOR VEHICLES.

(Application filed Aug. 15, 1900.

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(No Model.)

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STEERING MECHANISM FOR MOTOR VEHICLES.

Patented Jan. 22, 190i.

(Application filed Aug. 15, 1900.)

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(No Model.)

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. UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JAY W. FARNOFF, or BUFFALO, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR OF TWO-TI-IIRDS TO HENRYKOONS, or SAME PLACE.

STEERING MECHANISM FOR MOTOR-VEHICLES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 66 6308, dated January22, 1901. Application filed August 15, 1900- iieria-l No. 26,914. (Nomodel.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, JAY W. FARNOFF, a citizen of the United States,residing at Buffalo, in the county of Erie and State of New York, haveinvented certain new and useful Improvements in SteeringMechanism forMotor- Vehicles, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a steering mechanism which is adapted forlight vehicles as well as for broughams, carryalls, trucks, and

other heavy vehicles propelled by electrical power; but it may be asreadily used on vehicles propelled by steam, gasolene, or any othersuit-able motive power.

The object of this invention is to provide a simple, powerful, andresponsive steering mechanism which is so constructed as to be operatedin. conjunction with an electric motor, and yet in the event of themotor becoming disabled or the charge of the batteries becomingexhausted, as is common, the vehicle may be steered by hand. v

The invention, stated in general terms, consists in the combination ofelements or parts, whereby the vehicle may be steered by a motor andwherewith in case of necessity thei power steering elements may bedisconnected and the hand steering mechanism connected to thesteering-wheels.

In the electric steering devices now in use when the motor becomesdisabled or when the batteries become exhausted it is a diflicult taskto return the vehicle to its charging-station, even with the aid ofhorses or another motor-vehicle, as the driver or operator of thedisabled vehicle has no control of the steering-wheels. Furthermore, inapplying the steering devices now in use to gasolene or steam-propelledvehicles similar trouble arises when the batteries of the steeringdevice become exhausted and the vehicle cannot proceed, as it isimpossible to steer the same. With ny device the vehicle can be steeredundereithercondilion by simply disconnecting the power steeringmechanism and engaging the hand steering-lever, as will appearhereinafter.

The fundamental features of this invention are susceptible to a widerange of modification without departing from the essence thereof; butthe preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in the accompanyingdrawings, in which Figure 1 is a sectional elevation of amotorvehiclehaving my invention shown in section applied thereto. Fig. 2is a horizontal section on or about line 2 2, Fig. l, the motor beingomitted to show the steering connections with the wheels. Fig. 3 is anenlarged vertical section through my improved device,

the parts being shown as connected for power steering. Fig. 4 is asimilar section with the parts shown in connection for hand steering.Fig. 5 is a hOI'lZOUttl section on line 5 5, Fig. 3. Fig. 6 isa frontelevation of the lower end of the steering device, showing the manner inwhich it is supported. Fig. 7 is an enlarged horizontal section on line7 7,

Fig. 3, the lifting-spring being omitted. Fig. 8 is a section on line 88, Fig. 3. Fig. 9 is a horizontal section on line 9 9,.Fig. 4. Fig. 10is a vertical section through the couplingsleeve, the upper end of thesteeringsleeve, and the lower end of the locking-sleeve, detached fromother parts, Fig. 11 is a detached elevation of the worm-wheel inengagement with the coupling-sleeve, the lower end of the locking-sleevebeing shown against. the upper end of the coupling-sleeve. Fig.

12 is a horizontal section through the controller. Fig. 13 is a verticallongitudinal section through the same. larged section on or about line14 14, Fig. 1 Fig. 15 is a plan view of a fifth-wheel vehicle- -truck,showingv my steering apparatus ap- Fig. 1 4- is an ening-wheels, drivenby any suitable motor, and e C the steering-wheels, in connectionwherewith my improved mechanism is adapted to be operated.

D represents the front axle, which is immovably secured to the runninggear of the vehicle and to the end of which steeringknuckles E aresecured in a manner to permit of oscillation thereon. Thesesteeringknuckles are each provided with laterallyextending spindles orstub axles on which the steering-wheels are secured and caused torevolve. Rearwardly-disposed arms e are formed on or secured to thesteering-knuckles and are connected together by a rod or link 6', so asto act in unison. One of the arms is lengthened and is connected to alaterallydisposcd and upwardly-inclined rod or link c by means of adouble knuckle-joint e the opposite end of this rod or link beingconnected by a double knuckle-joint e to the steering-arm F, formed onthe steering-sleeve of my improved device, which is secured to thevehiclebody. The pivot-pin of one part of the knuckle-joints is on avertical plane, while the pivot-pin of the other part is on a horizontalplane. These knuckle-joints permit the vehicle-body to move verticallyon the springs of the vehicle without imparting any portion of themovement to the steering-arm F or the arms 9 of the steering-knuckles.

G represents a support or hanger which is secured to the bottom of thevehicle-body and in which a steering-sleeve H, having the steering-arm Fsecured thereto, is journaled. A collar h is secured to thesteering-sleeve immediately above the hanger G by means of a set-screw hor in any other practical manner. Between this collar and the hanger,which is'pcup-shaped at this point, a series of antifriction-balls h areinterposed, which reduce friction and make the steeringsleeve responsiveto the slightest turn of the motorshaft, to which it is operativelyconnected. Mounted loosely on the steering-sleeve and supported by acollar his a worm-wheel I, which is provided with a hub 1', havingvertically-disposed teeth 2'. The n pper and lower ends of the bore ofthe steering-sleeve are round in cross-section, the upper end of thebore being somewhat larger than the lower end, while the intermediateportion h of the bore is four -sided to receive the similarshapedportion ofthe steering-lever, as will appear hereinafter.

J represents a couplingsleeve encircling the upper end of thesteering-sleeve and hav ing vertically-disposed teethj formed at itslower end, which are in constant engagement with the teeth iof theworm-wheel hub. This permits the coupling-sleeve to move vertically onsaid hub, but compels it to turn with the worm-wheel. j represents lugsor ears formed on the inner periphery of the couplingsleeve, which areadapted to be engaged with slots it, formed on the upper end of thesteering-sleeve when desired to steer by power.

K represents the hand steering-lever, which is located within convenientreach of the operator, the lower vertical end passing down through thecoupling-sleeve and the steeringsleeve and having a semisphericalenlargement in formed at its lower end, which eulateral extension n.

ters a similar-shaped socket is formed in the lower end of thesteering-sleeve, thus limiting the upward movement of the steeringlever.Oil ducts or passages 10 are formed in the steering-sleeve, which extenddownwardly to the semispherical end of the steering-lever, whereby theparts are properly lubricated. In order to permit the steeringlever topass through the coupling-sleeve and the steering-sleeve, it is formedin two sections, joined by a screw-threaded connection a locking-screwIt passing through both to prevent their unscrewing. The steeringleveris provided a short distance from its lower end with a four-sidedportion J0 which when in position for power steering is'in its elevatedposition out of engagement from the correspondingly shaped portion ha ofthe bore of the steering-sleeve, which permits said steering-sleeve toturn without turning the steering-lever. When, however, the parts areconnected for hand steering, the steeringlever is in its loweredposition and the foursided portion 70 thereby made to enter thesimilar-shaped portion 71. of said bore, thus making operativeconnection with the steering-sleeve. 1

An annular flange 3' is formed on the outer periphery of thecoupling-sleeve, against which the upper end of a spiral spring M bears.This spring surrounds the couplingsleeve and the hub of the worm-wheeland bears with its lower end against said wormwheel, its office being tolift the couplingsleeve and disengage it from the steeringsleeve whendesired to steer by hand, it being held under compression when steeringby power by a locking-Sleeve N, which surrounds the steering-leverandbears with its lowe-rend against the upper end of the coupling-sleeve.Vertical slots n are formed in said lockingsleeve at diametricallyopposite points, the upper end of each slot being provided with'a Pinsor studs n pass through these slots and are secured in thesteering-lever, the purpose of these pins or studs being to engage thelateral extensions '21 of the slots and hold the locking-sleeve in itslowered position, which in turn lowers the coupling-sleeve and engagesthe lugs or ears j, formed on the inner periphery of the same, with theslots h, formed on the upper end of the steering-sleeve, thus connectingthe parts for power steering.

' The motor 0 is of any comnion or familiar construction and hardlyrequires detaile'd description, saving to say that it is secured bymeans of bolts to the vehicle-body and has secured to its shaft a worm0, which is in constant mesh with the worm-wheel I.

P represents a controller of any common construction secured to theupper free end of the steering-lever, and p circuit-wires, which areconnected therewith and pass down through the tubular steering-lever tothe mo.- tor and batteries. This controller is formed with two sets ofcontact-points p, and the Wires are so connected that when one set ofthe contact-points is made to coactthe circuit is closed and the currentis directed to one pole of the motor, which will cause the armature torotate in one direction, and when the circuit is closed by the other setof contact-poi nts the current is directed to the other pole of themotor and causes the armatui e to rotate in the opposite direction.

When steering by power, the'steering-lever is in its elevated position,which permits the steering-sleeve to turn thereon. The locking-slecve isforced down against the coupling-sleeve, so as to bring the pins orstuds n to the upper end of the slots n, where they are engaged with thelateral extensions n of the same, which looks the parts in properposition. This forces the coupling-sleeve against the spring-pressureand engages the lugs j of the same with the slots h of thesteeringsleeve. When the circuit is closed by one set of contact-pointsp, the motor-shaft is caused to revolve in one direction, which throughthe worm turns the worm-wheel I, which in turn turns the coupling-sleeveJ. The steeringsleeve being engaged with the coupling-sleeve is turnedthereby and operates the arm F, which in turn, through the medium of therod or link e operates the arins e of the steering-knuckles, which areconnected together by a rod or link e. The steering-wheels, beingmounted on spindles or stub-axles formed on the steering-knuckles, arethereby turned to the desired angle for rounding corners orturningcurves. After a turn has been made the contact-points just mentioned'areseparated and the aircuit closed by the other set of contact-points,which directs the current to the opposite pole of the motor and revolvesthe shaft of the same in the opposite direction, thereby reversing themovement of the parts above described until the steering-wheels guidethe vehicle on a straight line, when the contactpoints are released orseparated and the circuit broken. The vehicle is now propelled on astraight line without the necessityof grasping the steering-lever.

In case of accident to themotor or in the event of the batteriesbecoming exhausted and it is desired to steer by hand it is simplynecessary to turn the locking-sleeve so as to bring the pins or studs nin line with the vertical slots formed therein, when the steering-leverwill lower by force of gravity from the position shown in Fig. 3 to theposition shown in Fig. 4 and the lifting-spring M will elevate thecoupling-sleeve, and with it the locking-sleeve, sutficiently todisengage the lugs or earsj from the slots; h in the steering-sleeve. Bythis movement the four-sided portion- Iii Of the steering-lever entersthe corres iondiugly-shaped portion h of the bore of the steering-sleeveand causes the same to turn with the steering-lever. The steeringarm Fis thereby operated, which in turn operates the steering-wheels, asdescribed hereinbefore. After having recharged the batteries to steer bypower the steering-lever is raised so as to bring its enlarged lower endto bear against the steerin -sleeveand also to disengage the four-sidedportion 10 of the same from said sleeve. The locking-sleeve is thenlowered, which in turn lowers the coupling-sleeve and engages the lugsor cars j of the same with the slots h of the steering-sleeve, when thedevice is again connected for power steering.

In Figs. 15, 16, and 17 of the drawings I have shown a modified form ofmy invention particularly adapted for heavy vehicles. The steering-leverin this case is straight and the upper end thereof provided with a handsteering-wheel R, to the center of which the controller P is secured.The vehicle is shown as having a solid axle, to which is secured aspring-supported platform 7", having one part of a fifth-wheel S securedthereto, the other part being seciired to bolsters fastened to thevehicle-frame.' The under half of the fifth- 'wheel is provided with agear-segment s,

which is in mesh with a gear-wheel 8, secured to the lower end of thesteering-sleeve H, the other parts being exactly as describedhereinbefore.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is- 1. In a steeringdevice for motor-vehicles, the combination with the motor and acontroller therefor, of steering-wheels, motoro'perated mechanism havingconnection with the steeringwheels, a hand steering-lever, and means forconnecting the same with the steering-wheels and disconnecting thelatter from the motor-operated mechanism, substantially as described.

2. The combination with the vehicle and its steering-wheels, of a motor,a controller for directing the movement of the motor-shaft, a steeringelement in operative connection with the motor, and having connectionwith the steering-wheels, a hand steering-lever normally out ofengagement with said steering element, and mechanism for engaging thehand steering-lever with said steering element and disconnecting thelatter from the motor, as setvforth.

3. In a motor-vehicle,the combination with the steering-wheels, of amotor, a controller fordirecting the movement ofthe motor-shaft, asteering-sleeve in operative connection with the motor-shaft and havingconnection with the steering-whtaels to operate the same, asteering-lever passing through said steering sleeve and being disengagedtherefrom to permit the same to turn thereon, and means forsimultaneously disconnecting the motor from the steering-sleeve andengaging the latter 'with the steering-lever, whereby the vehicle may besteered by hand, substantially as set forth.

4. In a motor.-vehiele,the combination with the steering-wheels, of amotor, a controller for directing the movement of the motor-shaft,

a steering-sleeve journaled in a hanger secured to the vehicle-body andbeing operatively connected to the steering-wheels, opcrating-gearingbetween said steering-sleeve and the motor, a steering-lever passingthrough said steering-sleeve and being normally disengaged therefrom,and means for disconnecting the steering-sleeve from saidoperatingearing and simultaneously engaging said steering-sleeve withthe steeringlever, substantially as and for the purpose described.

5. In a motor-vehicle,the combination with the steering-wheels, of amotor, a controller for directing the movement of the motorshaft, a wormsecured on said shaft, a steering-sleeve journaled in a hanger securedto the vehicle-body and being operatively connected with thesteeringwheels, a wormwheel mounted loosely on said steering-sleeve andbeing in constant mesh with the worm on the motor-shaft, acoupling-sleeve for connection with the worm-wheel and thesteeringsleeve whereby the latter is made to turn with the former, asteering-lever located in said steering-sleeve and being disengagedtherefrom, and mechanism for simultaneously disconnecting thesteering-sleeve from the worm-wheel and engaging the steeringlever withsaid steering-sleeve, thereby permitting the vehicle to be steered byhand, as set forth.

6. In a motor-vehicle, the combination with thesteering-wheels, of amotor, a controller for directing the movement of the motor-shaft, asteering-sleeve journaled to turn on the vehicle-bodyandhavingoperativeconnection with said steeringwheels and the motor, said steering-sleevehaving a portion of its bore non-circular in cross-section, a handsteering. lever passing into said sleeve and permitting the same to turnthereon when in powersteering connection, said steering-lever having aportion thereof non-circular in crosssection which is adapted to entersaid noncircular portion of the bore of the steeringsleeve,and mechanismfor engaging said noncircular portion of the steering-lever with thecorrespondingly-shaped portion of the steering-sleeve bore anddisconnecting the steering-sleeve from operative connection wit-h themotor, substantially as set forth.

7. In a motor-vehicle, the combination with the steering-wheels, of amotor having aworm 'secured to the shaft thereof, a controller fordirecting the direction of movement of said shaft, a verticallydisposedsteering-sleeve mounted to turn on the vehicle-body and hav ing verticalslots formed on its upper end, a worm-wheel loosely mounted on saidsleeve and having a toothed hub, a coupling-sleeve surrlounding saidsteering-sleeve and having teeth formed thereon which coact with theteeth of the worm-wheel hub and permit of vertical movement of thecoupling-sleeve on said hub but prevent one turning independ- I out ofthe other, said coupling-sleeve having vertically-disposed lugs or carsformed on its inner periphery which are adapted to en= gage the'verticalslots in the steering-sleeve for power steering, a hand steering-leverpassing through the steering-sleeve and the coupling-sleeve and beingdisengaged from the steering-sleeve when the lugs or'ears of thecoupling-sleeve are engaged with the slots in said steering-sleeve, alocking-sleeve surrounding said steering-lever and bearing with itslower end against the upper end of the coupling-sleeve, whereby theparts are held in power-steering connection, a lifting-spring interposedbetween the couplingsleeve and the worm-wheel, and means for unlockingsaid locking-sleeve whereby the couplingfsleeve is disengaged from thesteering-sleeve by said spring and the steeringlever allowed togravitate and engage the steering-sleeve, substantially as and for thepurpose described. I

8. In a motor-vehicle, the combination with the steering-wheels, of amotorhavinga worm secured to its shaft, a controller therefor, asteering-sleeve journaled to turn on the vehicle-body, a worm-wheelmounted loosely on said sleeve and being in constant mesh with the wormon the motor-shaft, a hand steering-lever passing through saidsteering-sleeve so as to permit the same to turn thereon, acoupling-sleeve surrounding said steeringsleeve and the steering-leverand being in engagement with the worm-wheel and the steering-sleeve tocause one to turn with the other, said coupling-sleeve having an annularflange formed thereon, a lifting-spring surrounding the coupling-sleeveand the hub of the worm-wheel and bearing with its upper end againstsaid flange and with its lower end against said worm-wheel,alocking-sleeve surrounding the steering-lever whereby thecoupling-sleeve is held in engagement with the steering-sleeve andwhereby the steering-lever is held in its elevated and disengagedposition from said steering-sleeve, said locking-sleeve having verticalslots formed therein with lateral extensions, pins or studs secured insaid steering-lever and being in engagement with the lateral extensionsof said slots, and'means for turning said locking-sleeve to disengagesaid pins or studs from said lateral extensions, whereby thesteering-lever will gravitate and engage the steeringsleeve and thelifting-spring will e'evate the coupling-sleeve and disconnect tileworm-wheel from the steering-sleeve, slbstantially as and for thepurpose set forth.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of twosubscribing m'tnesses.

JAY W. FARNOFI'.

Witnesses:

HARRY H. wmns'roox, ALLEN G. FRASER.

